By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Sunday marked a new era in Eagles football: the Carson Wentz era. What was already going to be a memorable day had a memorable result.
It was on just the fifth passing play of Wentz's young career that the rookie threaded the needle on a perfect pass to Jordan Matthews in the corner of the endzone. The sight of Wentz's first touchdown pass sent Lincoln Financial Field into bedlam.
From that point on, you knew you were watching a special moment for a special player. It may be just one game, but the dawning of something special was enough on this Sunday.
Wentz's first drive, which featured four completions, three on perfectly placed passes, was really only the beginning. And by the close of the game, those were not Wentz's best plays.
The standout play came when Doug Pederson rolled the dice on 4th and 4 and kept the offense on the field. The Browns brought pressure. Wentz, who was criticized for having a slow release, unloaded the ball almost instantly. Zach Ertz was ready and the Eagles had a first down.
Shot 8 – Great job by @ZERTZ_86 crossing DB's face to be available for Wentz, who beats the extra rusher. Awesome. pic.twitter.com/ofIi3c1gBM
— Fran Duffy (@fduffy3) September 12, 2016
The next play went for 35 yards and a touchdown on another perfectly placed pass from Wentz to Nelson Agholor.
Shot 9 – Great throw by Wentz, but maybe better job by Agholor vs Haden here. Release & holding red line downfield pic.twitter.com/783ltHLWez
— Fran Duffy (@fduffy3) September 12, 2016
Throughout the game, it wasn't the passing ability that was so impressive about Wentz. It was the poise and smarts.
Several times during the game, Wentz was calling signals at the line, directing plays, making adjustments, giving the Eagles a chance to make a play. When Wentz faced pressure, he faced it head-on. He took his blows, coming off fractured ribs to boot, and made the plays.
The Browns blitzed Wentz 13 times in Sunday's game. Wentz was 11-for-12 for 129 yards and seven first downs on those plays. That's the poise of a veteran.
There was really never a point where Wentz didn't seem to be in control. For a rookie, you can't help but be impressed.
Look, there does need to be some perspective out of this. This was only one game for Wentz. It was against the Cleveland Browns defense, a team that had the worst pass defense a season ago. He's bound to face adversity at one point or another this season.
But in a sense, this is the game, opponent and setting the Eagles needed for Wentz in his debut. They needed a game where they were expected to win. They needed an opponent that wouldn't look as intimidating as others. They needed the home field to set the stage. They had it all, and the rookie delivered.
And while tougher defenses are to come and tougher opponents will face the Eagles in the weeks ahead, this was a glimpse at what Wentz is capable of and just why the Eagles were so hell-bent on moving up to get him. This was a player who could easily become a franchise quarterback with performances like that.
It may have been just one game for Wentz. But as the rookie said after the game, "it’s just the first of many." Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
